The First Class
Snob:
What is it with
first class passengers in local trains, why do they consider themselves to be
superior from other passengers?.....passengers from second class compartments. I’ve
been travelling in trains for a long time now and during these journeys I’ve
often come across several passengers who classify as first class snobs.
First Class Snob’s (FCS) are those who are most irked when a passenger from
second class compartment gets into a first class coach. At such instances,
FCS’s are the first ones to protest their entry. They are quick to shout “Yeh
first class hai” (this is first class), literally scaring the person that he
almost jumps out in fright.
You might wonder how
these FCS’s manage to identify second class passengers. Well, it’s relatively
easy! These second class passengers are those who are mostly illiterates,
belonging to the economically weaker sections of society. They are easily
identified by their attire. These gullible second class passengers mostly jump
into a first class compartment without realizing that they are getting into
one. Some such passengers are not regular commuters hence they are unaware
about this great divide. They just notice the comparatively empty compartments
and get in. On the other hand, a well dressed and well educated second class
passenger manages to get in without any issues as they cannot be differentiated
from first class passengers.
What is pathetic is
the reason why these FCS’s get so worked up when a lowly second class passenger
gate-crashes into their elite circle. It is not that these FCS’s are genuinely
concerned about the people who get into a first class compartment nor do they
have their well being in mind based on the fact that these poor souls might end
up paying a hefty fine or will be cooling their heels behind bars if they are
caught travelling without proper tickets. Quite the opposite, FCS’s simply hate
the fact that a second class passenger is travelling in a first class
compartment while holding a second class ticket.
People falling in
the FCS category are not necessarily the white collared elite businessmen type.
It can be anyone. Once while travelling from Dadar to Borivili, I came across
this courier guy who was apparently provided a first class pass by his company to
enable him to travel with his heavy load with relative ease. This courier guy
also turned out to be an FCS when an unsuspecting second class passenger
boarded the compartment from Bandra. The courier FCS was probably digging into
his large bag at that moment as he didn’t notice the fellow get in. It was only
after the train left the station that he noticed the second class passenger who
was by then happily seated at a window seat. The courier FCS was immediately
upon him, asking him whether he had a first class pass or ticket. He started
admonishing him for getting into a first class coach. As is the case, the
unsuspecting second class passenger was from the economically weaker section.
What was amusing was that the courier FCS was also from the economically weaker
section and was as shabbily dressed as that unsuspecting second class
passenger. Yet the courier FCS tried to sound genuinely concerned, advising him
what would happen if he were to be caught by a ticket checker.
What I felt was that
the courier FCS was just trying to inform all other passengers that he was a
valid first class pass holder. It was evident that he took pride in having a
valid first class pass and he wanted to flaunt it. In fact, if he had his way
he would’ve announced it at railway stations and shouted about it from
rooftops. An opportunity to admonish the second class passenger allowed him to
do just that.
Some other incidents
involving FCS’s…….
The Fake FCS
Once while
travelling from Kanjurmarg to Dombivili, there was this decently dressed but
drunk passenger hanging at the door when I got in. I realized he was drunk when
he opened his mouth to speak. When the train halted at Nahur station a sea of
people rushed in, almost dislodging this guy from his perch. That was when he
opened his mouth in protest. With slurred speech he shouted “Arrey sab log
kahaan ghussay jaa rahay hain? Yeh first class hai” (why is everyone rushing
in, this is a first class compartment). People getting in were too engrossed in
their attempt to get in instead of paying any attention to his protest. When
the train left the station this guy was still complaining “Pandra-sau rupaye
kharch karkay hum pass kharid-tay hain aur sab second class walay ghuss jaatay
hain” (we pay Rs.1500/- to buy a first class pass and all second class
passengers get in). Surprisingly, a ticket checker had also boarded the train
from Nahur and he started checking everybody’s tickets. When he came to this
guy who was complaining, much to our surprise, he was holding a second class
pass, so much for his tall claims. I realized he was a fake FCS. He was
de-trained at the next stop. I think he must’ve been an out of work actor who
was just polishing his skills and I guess the reason for his being out of work
was ‘Overacting’ which also gave him away.
FCS Meets his Match
FCS’s are not always
successful at doing what they do, evicting second class passengers from a first
class compartment. Once while travelling from Kurla to Dombivili, a labourer
type fellow boarded the train from Vikhroli station. This guy was drunk to the
brim, was literally reeking of liquor and was badly injured too. This guy had
one of his hands in a sling and a bandage wrapped around his head. Upon getting
into the compartment, he pushed his way through the crowd to the middle of the
compartment and parked himself. An FCS was quick to enlighten this guy that he
had boarded a first class coach and that he should get down and board a second
class compartment or the handicap compartment, considering his condition. In
his drunken stupor this guy was quick to retort “mujhay itnaa chot lagaa hain
yeh rakh kay mai kya handicap compartment dhoondta phiroon?” (I am badly
injured and yet you expect me to seek out the handicap compartment in this
condition?) I guess that would have taught that FCS to keep his mouth shut the
next time he encountered a second class passenger boarding a first class
compartment.
What is the
difference between a first and second class compartment? Technically speaking,
I don’t see much of a difference. Both coaches are equally crowded. In fact, I
sometimes feel that the second class compartment is comparatively vacant than a
first class compartment. But physically speaking, a second class compartment
has wooden seats whereas the first class compartment sports cushioned seats.
If you ask whether
there is a difference between passengers from first and second class
compartments then the answer is yes. There certainly is a huge difference. The
first class compartment is filled largely with snobs whereas a second class
passenger is more humane. In a second class compartment, a passenger who boards
the train from VT / Karjat / Badlapur would by default vacate his seat, mid-way
through the journey, voluntarily for the next passenger whereas in a first
class compartment, a seated passenger only vacates his seat when the train
touches the station he plans to get down at. In a second class compartment
there is a fourth seat available where you are not very comfortable but at
least you get to rest your weary legs. In a first class compartment, a single
row of seat is shared by three passengers exclusively.
Other than these,
there are no differences between the two coaches. The only difference till now
was the seats, wooden and cushioned. This difference is also going to be
eliminated soon. In a recent development, railways have decided to enhance
second class compartments by furnishing it with cushioned seats. With this most
visible difference out of the way….
- · Will the FCS object to a second class passenger getting into a first class compartment?
OR
- · Will he ask the railway authorities to level the difference in tariffs for tickets and pass with that of a second class compartment?
OR
- · Will he opt to travel in a second class compartment?
Ciao!